With warmer weather settling in, Green Anoles in Arkansas are becoming noticeably more active. Over the past few days, I’ve spotted five of these lizards gathered in one area of my yard. This increased activity presents excellent photography opportunities, as the Anoles move around more and occasionally settle in ideal positions for close-up shots.
Observing and Photographing Green Anoles
Photographing these quick-moving lizards requires patience. Often, I wait for them to shift into a better position, sometimes stepping away and returning later to see if they’ve relocated. Fortunately, they usually remain within a small area, making them easier to track.
Unlike some reptiles, Northern Green Anoles don’t burrow deep underground to escape the cold. Instead, they seek shelter in various places, keeping them accessible for observation and photography even in cooler weather.
Breeding Season and Behavior
As breeding season approaches in a couple of months, male Anoles will begin their territorial displays. From April to July, they become more aggressive, competing for female attention with head bobbing and dewlap extensions.
On my property near the Ouachita National Forest, I’ve pinpointed key locations where these Anoles tend to gather. Equipped with my Canon EOS 7D Mark II and an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, I frequently visit these spots when temperatures rise to document their behaviors.
Camera Settings for Capturing Green Anoles
- Mode: AV Mode
- Aperture: f/6.3
- ISO: 500
- Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
- Focal Length: 227mm
With these settings dialed in, I’m ready to capture the movements and behaviors of these fascinating lizards as they emerge with the changing seasons.